• Experience the Lower Zambezi from every angle on this immersive 5-day canoe expedition. Designed for adventurous travellers seeking more than a traditional safari, the Zambezi 4 - in - 1 Canoe Safari combines paddling through remote channels of the Zambezi River, wild island camping, guided walking safaris, game drives and meaningful encounters with local communities.

  Travel approximately 72 km downstream through one of Africa’s most scenic wilderness areas, where elephants browse riverbanks, hippos patrol channels and fish eagles call overhead. Nights are spent under the stars on remote islands and at a comfortable fly camp deep in the Game Management Area.

  This unique journey offers an exceptional combination of wildlife, adventure and cultural discovery while exploring one of Zambia’s most iconic landscapes.

Highlights

• 5 days exploring the Lower Zambezi River
• Approximately 72 km of guided canoeing
• Wild camping on remote river islands
• Guided walking safari
• Night game drives
• Village and community visit
• Wildlife viewing from both land and water
• Scenic channels, floodplains and river islands
• Freshly prepared meals throughout the safari
• Small groups with experienced local guides
• Spectacular stargazing and campfire evenings

Practical Information

Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights

Minimum Participants: 2 Guests

Season: March – December (best wildlife viewing May – December)

Fitness Level: Moderate fitness required. Previous canoeing experience is not necessary.

Minimum Age: 15 years (12–14 years possible on private family departures)

Accommodation: Remote island camps in dome tents

Location: Lower Zambezi Valley, Zambia

Itineraries

Day 1

Breezes River Lodge to Kakomarara Island

Your Lower Zambezi canoe adventure begins at Breezes River Lodge near Chirundu, where you will meet your professional canoe guide for a comprehensive safety briefing and introduction to the expedition. After preparing equipment and packing essentials, you launch onto the mighty Zambezi River at approximately 10:30 am.

The first section of the journey follows a scenic network of river channels winding through islands and wildlife-rich waterways. This shorter paddle of approximately 15 kilometres allows guests to settle into the rhythm of the river while learning basic canoe handling techniques and wildlife awareness.

A riverside lunch is enjoyed along the way before continuing downstream towards Kakomarara Island, your first wilderness campsite. Arriving in the late afternoon, there is ample time to relax, explore the island surroundings, and watch the sunset over the Zambezi. As darkness falls, enjoy a freshly prepared dinner around the campfire before spending your first night under Africa's spectacular star-filled sky.

Distance: Approx. 15 km
Overnight: Kakomarara Island Camp
Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2

Kakomarara Island to Magurumeno or Mtondo Islands

Wake to the sounds of the African wilderness and enjoy tea, coffee and biscuits before breaking camp. Departing around 07:30 am, today's journey covers approximately 25 kilometres through some of the most beautiful sections of the Lower Zambezi ecosystem.

After a morning paddle, stop for a hearty riverside breakfast before continuing downstream. The route offers excellent opportunities to observe elephants, hippos, crocodiles, waterbirds and other wildlife that frequent the riverbanks.

During the hottest hours of the day, enjoy a relaxed lunch stop in the shade before continuing your journey. Depending on river conditions, weather and the pace of the group, the overnight camp will be established on either Magurumeno Island or Mtondo Island.

As the sun sets over the river, gather around the campfire to share stories from the day while enjoying another delicious bush dinner.

Distance: Approx. 25 km
Overnight: Magurumeno Island or Mtondo Island
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3

Through the Lower Zambezi Floodplains to Elephant or Nyamangwe Island

Today's paddle takes you deeper into the renowned Lower Zambezi floodplain region and towards the wilderness areas bordering Zimbabwe's famous Mana Pools ecosystem. By now, most guests have become comfortable in their canoes and can fully appreciate the tranquillity and beauty of travelling at river level.

The daily routine mirrors that of the previous day, with early morning paddling, leisurely breakfast and lunch stops, and plenty of time to observe wildlife along the riverbanks. The floodplains and islands in this section often provide excellent opportunities for birdwatching and sightings of elephants, buffalo and antelope coming to the water's edge.

Depending on progress made during the day, camp will be established on either Elephant Island or Nyamangwe Island, both offering an authentic wilderness camping experience far from roads and settlements.

Distance: Approx. 20–25 km
Overnight: Elephant Island or Nyamangwe Island
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4

Walking Safari & Wildlife Canoeing

Start the morning with a guided walking safari exploring the bush on foot. After breakfast, continue your canoe journey downstream carrying only essentials for the day.

This section of the river is renowned for excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, with elephants, buffalo, hippos and abundant birdlife frequently encountered along the riverbanks.

At the take-out point, the canoes are loaded onto the support vehicle before transferring back to the fly camp through wildlife-rich terrain. An optional night drive is available after dinner.

Distance: Approximately 20–22 km canoeing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Mainland Fly Camp

Day 5

Final Paddle to the Take-Out Point

Enjoy a final sunrise over the Zambezi River before breakfast is served in camp. After packing up, set off on a leisurely final paddle of approximately 5 to 7 kilometres to the expedition take-out point.

Upon arrival, the support team will meet the group to load canoes and equipment for the return journey. The drive back to Breezes River Lodge passes through wildlife areas, local villages and rural Zambian communities, offering a final glimpse into life along the Zambezi Valley.

Arrival at Breezes River Lodge is expected around 14:30 hrs. Guests may continue onward to Lusaka the same afternoon or choose to extend their stay with an additional night at the lodge overlooking the Zambezi River.

Distance: Approx. 5–7 km
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

• Professional canoe safari guide
• Safety briefing and canoeing instruction
• 4 nights camping accommodation
• Dome tent accommodation
• All meals during the safari
• Tea, coffee and drinking water
• Canoes, paddles and safety equipment
• VAT and tourism levy
• Wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the safari

• Lower Zambezi National Park fees (currently USD 50 per person)
• Accommodation before or after the safari
• Road transfers to and from the launch point
• Alcoholic beverages
• Premium drinks and personal purchases
• Travel insurance
• Medical evacuation insurance
• Tips and gratuities
• Items of a personal nature